Note: In discussions on the global approximate interpretation, I have strictly limited the scope to electromagnetic processes in low-energy atoms and molecules, excluding other interactions. Considering that quantum mechanics is merely a spectral image of classical systems, no exotic concepts should be introduced—and indeed, no exotic phenomena (such as quantum entanglement or electron spin) have been found to exist. Therefore, in the discussion of Natural Quantum Theory (NQT), some extensions to the high-energy region have been made, covering issues related to quantum field theory. I have also long suspected that the only fundamental fields might be the electromagnetic field and spacetime (see the earlier discussion "Grand Unification in Classical Field Theory?"). However, adhering to the principles of conservatism and empiricism, these discussions—including this one—contain a high degree of speculation and require more robust theoretical deductions and experimental data.
The reason I can't help but take a risk to step forward a little is to see how much potential natural quantum theory holds.
Weak Interaction: A Higher-Order Effect of Magnetic Force?
In the grand arena of physics, the weak interaction is often regarded as a "mysterious force." It is responsible for beta decay within atomic nuclei, converting neutrons into protons while emitting electrons and neutrinos; it also participates in nuclear fusion processes inside the Sun, facilitating the conversion of hydrogen into helium and thus illuminating our world. Nevertheless, the traditional view holds that the weak interaction and the familiar electromagnetic force (including magnetic force) are two entirely distinct fundamental forces. But what if we propose that the weak interaction might be merely a higher-order effect of magnetic interaction—a "advanced version" manifested under extreme conditions? This is not science fiction, but a reasonable extrapolation based on Natural Quantum Theory. Today, we outline several clues supporting this idea. Derived from experimental observations, energy scale analysis, and theoretical reasoning, these clues help us reexamine the "mystery of fundamental forces" in nature from a new perspective.
Weak Interaction and Magnetic Interaction: An Initial Introduction to the Two "Protagonists"
First, let us briefly understand these two concepts. The weak interaction is one of the four fundamental forces in the Standard Model of particle physics (the other three being the electromagnetic force, the strong interaction, and gravity). It is extremely "weak" with an extremely short range of action (less than one ten-thousandth the size of a nucleus), and uniquely violates "parity conservation"—namely, mirror symmetry. In a mirror-image world, the behavior of the weak interaction differs, making it appear particularly "exotic."
In contrast, magnetic interaction is a familiar phenomenon in daily life. It originates from the motion of charged particles, such as the spin of electrons or magnetic fields generated by electric currents. Magnetic force can attract iron nails and drive electric motors. However, in the microscopic world, magnetic interaction is often integrated with the electromagnetic force, following the classical Maxwell's equations.
Traditional physics holds that the weak force and magnetic force are independent: the weak force is mediated by massive particles (e.g., W and Z bosons), while magnetic force is mediated by massless photons. In contrast, Natural Quantum Theory suggests that the weak force may not be an independent "newcomer," but an "upgraded version" of magnetic force under high-energy or complex conditions—a higher-order effect. Here, "higher-order" means that in mathematical descriptions, the fundamental magnetic interaction constitutes the "zero-order" term, while the weak force may be an "advanced term" involving higher powers or nonlinear corrections. Below, we explore various clues supporting this viewpoint.
Clue 1: Energy Scale Analysis—the "Kinship" Between the Weak Force and Magnetic Force
First, from the perspective of energy scale, the strengths of the weak interaction and magnetic interaction are surprisingly similar. The strength of the weak force is determined by the Fermi constant (G_F), approximately 10⁻⁵ times that of the electromagnetic force. However, when examining the magnetic effects inside particles, we discover some coincidences.
For example, the magnetic moment of electrons (a quantity describing the "magnetism" of electrons) requires higher-order corrections in quantum electrodynamics (QED). These correction terms involve the interaction between electron spin and magnetic fields, and their strength is comparable to the Fermi constant of the weak force in terms of energy scale. Specifically, the energy scale corresponding to the mass of the W boson (approximately 80 GeV) is similar to the energy level involved in the second-order quantum correction (g-2 factor) of the electron magnetic moment. This suggests that the weak force may originate from quantum fluctuations or higher-order loop effects of magnetic interaction, rather than being a completely new fundamental force.
Imagine this: just as water waves propagate in a simple linear manner on a calm lake but generate complex vortices and higher-order harmonics when encountering obstacles, magnetic fields may also "distort" to produce weak force-like effects during high-energy particle collisions. Experimentally, observations from particle accelerators such as the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) show that the weak force and electromagnetic force unify at high energies (electroweak unification), providing energy-scale clues for the magnetic origin hypothesis. If the weak force is indeed a higher-order manifestation of magnetic force, this unification is not an abstract mathematical exercise, but a natural evolution of physical fields.
Clue 2: Parity Asymmetry in Magnetic Processes—the "Bias" in the Mirror World
The most well-known feature of the weak interaction is its violation of parity (P-symmetry), meaning that left-handed and right-handed particles behave differently in weak processes. However, similar parity asymmetry also exists in magnetic interaction!
In magnetic fields, the motion of charged particles often exhibits "chiral selectivity." For instance, the helical orbit of an electron in a strong magnetic field deflects leftward or rightward depending on its spin direction—this is a natural form of parity breaking. Physicists have observed in laboratories that magnetic fields can induce asymmetry in the angular distribution of particle decay or scattering, especially in systems involving spin. More specifically, in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments, magnetic field gradients (inhomogeneous magnetic fields) produce a "screening effect" similar to that of the weak force—particles are "selected" into different paths based on their spin direction.
From the perspective of Natural Quantum Theory, this asymmetry is not a coincidence but evidence for the magnetic origin of the weak force. The "left-handed rule" of the weak force may correspond to the global directional selection of magnetic moments in space: magnetic fields in the universe spontaneously "select" an orientation, leading to preferential behavior during particle interactions. Experimental evidence includes Chien-Shiung Wu’s 1957 experiment on cobalt-60 beta decay: the emission direction of electrons is antiparallel to the nuclear spin (magnetic moment), directly linking weak processes to magnetic asymmetry. If the weak force is a higher-order effect of magnetism, this asymmetry is an amplified manifestation of magnetic fields under extreme conditions (e.g., inside atomic nuclei), rather than an independent "weak charge" rule.
Clue 3: Neutrino Magnetic Moment—Magnetic Hints from the "Mediator" of the Weak Force
Neutrinos are the "star players" of the weak interaction; they only participate in the weak force and carry no electric charge. However, recent experiments suggest that neutrinos may possess an extremely small magnetic moment (μ_ν), with an upper limit of approximately 10⁻¹¹ Bohr magnetons (μ_B). If neutrinos do have a magnetic moment, how is it generated? The traditional view holds that neutrinos are "non-magnetic" because they do not participate in the electromagnetic force. But this becomes explicable if the weak force originates from magnetic force: the neutrino’s magnetic moment may be a "remnant" of higher-order magnetic effects.
Experimental clues come from solar neutrino observations and underground detectors (e.g., Super-Kamiokande). These experiments imply that neutrinos may flip their spin in strong magnetic fields (such as those inside the Sun), which is consistent with magnetic interaction. If the neutrino magnetic moment is non-zero, it would directly support the hypothesis that the weak force is a higher-order effect of magnetic force—neutrinos are like "ripples" in magnetic field fluctuations, and their chirality (always left-handed) stems from the geometric selection of magnetic directions, rather than abstract gauge principles.
Clue 4: Magnetic Reconstruction in Beta Decay—From Nuclear Transformation to Magnetic "Reorganization"
Beta decay is a typical example of the weak force: a neutron decays into a proton, an electron, and an antineutrino. From a magnetic perspective, however, this may be a "reorganization" of internal magnetic structures. Quarks and gluons within atomic nuclei form complex magnetic fields; when these fields become unstable, they release energy through higher-order coupling, producing decay products.
Clues include experiments showing that the beta decay rate is affected by external magnetic fields. In strong magnetic fields, the angular distribution of decay changes, suggesting the involvement of magnetic force. Additionally, the spin polarization of electrons in decay is always related to the direction of magnetic moments. This indicates that weak processes may be nonlinear terms of magnetic interaction: at the nuclear scale, higher-order magnetic coupling (e.g., magnetic dipole-gradient terms) leads to asymmetric energy release, simulating the effect of W boson exchange.
Clue 5: Electroweak Unification and Magnetic Interpretation of Gauge Symmetry Breaking
In the Standard Model, the weak force and electromagnetic force unify at high energies, but symmetry breaking requires the Higgs mechanism. The magnetic origin hypothesis provides an alternative explanation: the breaking may be the spontaneous selection of cosmic magnetic directions, similar to the magnetization of ferromagnets during cooling. A key clue is that the mass of W/Z bosons is comparable to the magnetic energy scale (~100 GeV), which may correspond to the high-energy resonance state of magnetic fields.
Experimental support: High-energy particle collisions show that weak processes are enhanced in magnetic field environments, suggesting that unification originates from magnetic nonlinearity.
Perspective from Natural Quantum Theory: A Unified Physical Picture
These clues are not isolated but stem from the framework of Natural Quantum Theory (NQT). This theory holds that quantum mechanics is a "spectral projection" of classical mechanics, and phenomena such as the weak force originate from higher-order interactions of real fields, rather than abstract gauge principles. By restoring the finite size of particles (~Compton wavelength), NQT treats the weak force as a "hierarchical extension" of magnetic force, eliminating its mysterious nature.
Implications: From Mystery to Unification
If the weak force is indeed a higher-order effect of magnetism, it will simplify physics: all fundamental forces can be unified into coherent modes of fields. Philosophically, this emphasizes the simplicity and intuitiveness of nature. Future experiments—such as precise measurements of the neutrino magnetic moment or tests of weak decay in magnetic fields—will verify this hypothesis.
In conclusion, the weak interaction may not be a "new force" but a "higher-order variation" of magnetic force. This is not merely a conjecture, but a chain of clues based on energy scales, experiments, and theory. Physics has always advanced through surprises; perhaps the next breakthrough lies hidden within these magnetic clues!